The National Economic Council (NEC) has set a deadline of September 9, 2024, for all states to declare their stance on the establishment of State Police. This decision was made during a meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday at the Council Chamber of the State House in Abuja.
Acting Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal, briefed State House Correspondents after the meeting, revealing that 32 states have already made submissions to NEC, while four states have yet to do so.
NEC has directed the remaining four states to make their position known by Monday, September 9.
Lawal emphasized that any state that fails to make a submission by the deadline will be bound by the ultimate decision reached by NEC.
The call for state police has gained momentum in recent years, with leaders and socio-political groups like Afenifere and Ohanaeze Ndigbo advocating for it as a solution to curb kidnapping, banditry, and other crimes.
In mid-February 2024, President Bola Tinubu and the 36 state governors agreed on the establishment of state police to address the escalating security challenges in the country. Following this agreement, 16 governors submitted their reports to NEC, expressing support for state police and the amendment of the 1999 Constitution to accommodate it.
Since then, more states have declared their support for state police, leaving only four states yet to make their position known. However, the proposal has faced criticism from some quarters, with concerns about funding and the potential for state governors to misuse state police for political vendettas.
